One Poem a Month

About a year ago, California's former Poet Laureate, Al Young, came to us with an idea that he write an original poem for The California Report each month of 2012. Well, we took him up on that and over the past year he's provided memorable verses, weaving in unique California names and places with state history, references to the seasons and personal reflections. He joins us to talk about the project and read his final piece for 2012.

Writer Al Young joins us, as he has been all year, marking the start of each month with a poem. For this November, he's found inspiration in shorter days and turkey.

Unlike most of the country, California actually warms up in October, even as the nights grow crisp.It's enough to inspire writer Al Young, who's composing a poem to mark the start of each month this year. Al Young served as California's poet laureate from 2005 to 2008. The winner of awards and honors too numerous to mention, Al Young has contributed to The California Report many times over the years.

At start of each month in 2012, we're featuring an original work from Berkeley poet Al Young. Today it's a poem in two parts, aptly titled "Two Septembers."

At the start of each month this year, poet Al Young shares his inspiration of the moment. This time, he's inspired by wildfires.

At the start of each month this year, poet Al Young shares his inspiration of the moment. Today, he drops by with his poem for July.

At the start of each month, poet Al Young pays us a visit -- and he's back today to swoon over June.

At the start of each month, poet Al Young pays a visit and on this show he shares his ode to May.

At the start of each month, we get a visit from former California poet laureate Al Young. This week, he tells us why "April is the Coolest Month."

California's former poet laureate Al Young is writing an original poem for us on the first Friday of each month this year. For March, he asks "Did She Who Made The Lamb -- Make The MGM Lion, Too?"

Al Young served as California's poet laureate from 2005 to 2008. The winner of awards and honors too numerous to mention, Al Young has contributed to The California Report many times over the years. Starting today, we're making it a regular thing. Al Young spoke with host Rachael Myrow about what inspired him to write us a poem about California every month.